7 Killed in NY Blast, One Woman At Home On Day Off

The death toll has risen to seven in Wednesday’s gas explosion that rocked a New York City neighborhood. One of the victims – who lived above the church where the explosion originated – was tragically on a rare day off from work.

Three of the seven victims killed in the explosion have been identified: Rosaura Hernandez-Barrios, 22, Carmen Tanco, 67, and Griselde Camacho, 44. Three men and one other woman have yet to be named. Sadly, according to reports, Camacho was off from her job as a security officer at Hunter College’s East Harlem campus. DNAinfo reports:

Camacho, who spent more than 12 years a police officer in Puerto Rico according to her LinkedIn page, was recognized in 2010 as the Peace Officer of the Year for Local 237 of the Teamsters, according to the union’s newsletter, as well as other awards.

El-Mohandes lauded Camacho, who colleagues said was out on sick leave, for “her readiness to respond and help whenever help was needed.”

And Hunter’s President, Jennifer Raab, said in a statement that “Griselde was a well-liked member of our community, a respected officer and a welcoming presence at our Silberman building.”

The school was planning to bring grief counselors on site to help students and staff and invited grieving members of the community to call the CUNY Work/Life program at 800-833-8707.

Co-workers at Hunter said they were mourning the loss of Camacho, who had a son, according to sources.

Jessie Daniels, a professor of public health at Hunter College, said Camacho was a “friendly, engaging, helpful presence” who always laughed and joked with her every time they met.